Explanation: The Bombay state, which existed before 1960, was a region in western India that included parts of present-day Maharashtra and Gujarat. The linguistic composition of the Bombay state was diverse, but the two predominant languages were Gujarati and Marathi.
Gujarati is the language spoken primarily in the western part of the state, which is now the state of Gujarat. Marathi, on the other hand, is the language spoken predominantly in the eastern part of the state, which is now the state of Maharashtra. The linguistic diversity of the Bombay state was a significant factor in the decision to divide the state into two separate states based on language.
The division of the Bombay state into Maharashtra and Gujarat was a result of the linguistic reorganization of states in India, which took place in 1956. However, the Bombay state remained undivided until 1960, when it was finally split into two states based on the languages spoken by the majority of the population in each region. This division was a response to the demands of the people for states to be organized on linguistic lines, which was a significant political and social movement in India during that time.
The linguistic reorganization of states was a complex process that involved the consideration of various factors, including language, culture, and administrative convenience. The division of the Bombay state into Maharashtra and Gujarat was a significant event in the history of India, as it led to the formation of two distinct states with their own linguistic and cultural identities.
In conclusion, the two languages spoken in the Bombay state before its division in 1960 were Gujarati and Marathi. This division was a result of the linguistic reorganization of states in India, which aimed to create states based on the languages spoken by the majority of the population. The division of the Bombay state into Maharashtra and Gujarat was a significant event that shaped the linguistic and cultural landscape of western India.